Italians are a musical people. When you walk down the side streets and alleys of any Italian city or town you can hear music being sung and played in many of the apartments. Grand opera began in Italy and when Italians emigrated to this country they brought their musical heritage with them. The Live from the Met opera performances on Saturday afternoons were a staple in many North End homes.

Fifty years ago the espresso bars on Hanover St. had juke boxes that played Italian popular music. The stars were people like Jerry Vale who sang at the Revere Beach Frolic Lounge, Jimmy Roselli and Al Martino. I think the Café dello Sport wore out its recording of Jimmy Roselli singing Mala Femina because so many people played it.

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Source: http://northendwaterfront.com/